"Bar is Loaded" is a cinema verité documentary following Luca Lewis, a high school powerlifter who lifts outside of the large high school powerlifting community in Texas, THSWPA (Texas High School Women's Powerlifting Association). Directed by Athená Polymenis, Polymenis wanted to explore the difficulties and hardships of being a high achieving teenage athlete while competing outside of the circuit for one of the most competitive sports in Texas. Polymenis's motivations relied heavily on her own four years of experience as a THSWPA lifter.
In addition to following Lewis's story, "Bar is Loaded" shines a light on her coach Joshua Trammell and his small business Platform Strength and the unusual way a group of high school students found each other. The film highlights Lewis's friendship with Ozan Kleiman and the growing network of powerlifting micro influencers who have coagulated around the growing group of students working with Trammell.
Throughout the film, we watch as Lewis prepares for the High School Nations meet (2023) in Myrtle Beach Florida. Special thanks is given to Hyde Park Gym and Gameday Barbell - the two gyms in which the group frequents. Polymenis intends to continue exploring the Powerlifting community that exists outside of THSWPA/THSPA (Texas High School Powerlifting Association) while ultimately exploring the culture within the Texas High School Powerlifting circuits.
Enjoy stills from the documentary, "Bar is Loaded" below!
